How do you guys prepare clothing for a photo shoot before you meet with the model? Do you get her to bring a bunch of stuff, then mix and match? Or do you buy some stuff before hand? I sometimes if I have time will go on a thrift store trip with my subject just before a shoot, but it'd be nice to know if there are other ways.

See what your vision is for the shoot, then go from there. You can always see what she is bring before the shoot to get some ideas for your shoot. For example if your doing pinup look, go through some pinup images to get ideas for the outfit for your shoot

If she is paying me for the shoot then I generally shoot what ever she wants fo wear. If the shoot is for a client then the model wears the wardrobe the client provdies. If it is a shoot for my book or TFP I always discuss wardrobe with the model before hand. She may have something that will produce the look I'm after, if not then I try to find it myself.

Okay, so say I want to shoot lingerie. Would one of you go to a lingerie store and pick out what you want with her? When I look at pro shots, they always look so good, and its obvious the model didn't just grab the clothes out of her drawer. Give me your reply, assuming the shoot is your idea and unpaid.

Okay, so say I want to shoot lingerie. Would one of you go to a lingerie store and pick out what you want with her? When I look at pro shots, they always look so good, and its obvious the model didn't just grab the clothes out of her drawer. Give me your reply, assuming the shoot is your idea and unpaid.

First of all, I wouldnt go to a lingerie store, because I'm lousy at guessing sizes and choosing anything a model would wear. In my case, your comment "its obvious the model didn't just grab the clothes out of her drawer" isn't true. All the models I shoot with bring their own lingerie, and most of it is awesome. Yes, I have a few lingerie outfits in my closet (leftovers from generous models who left me their old lingerie) ... but 99% of the time the model brings their own lingerie (now when it comes to bikinis ... I have a bikini designer who supplies me with dozens of great bikinis) Hope that helps.

All the bikini tops are two triangles (from large triangles to very, very small triangles). The bottoms are everything from a small triangle with a G-string on the backside ... to a larger piece of material with ties on the side ... to a full bottom. Some are just material .... some are covered in sequins ... others use rhinestones as design elements ... and a few have wood or metal buckles and clasps. If the model likes how she looks in a bikini they are welcome to buy the bikini for a very reasonable price.

When I come back from shooting at the lake, all the bikinis that were worn get thrown into hamper in my laundry room so I can wash them and get them ready for the next shoot.

Now all you need to do is find someone in your area who makes swimwear ... and hope for some warm weather so you can head to Lake Erie to shoot some models. LOL